More ‘strategic and forensic’ job cuts at Montrose called for by TDs

MINISTER of State Niall Collins has said that the new redundancy scheme at RTÉ must be ‘considered and forensic’.

The Fianna Fáil TD was speaking after the publication of the latest damning report into the national broadcaster, which found the station’s head accountant was given a €400,000 golden handshake deal with the approval of the executive board.

Former head of finance Breda O’Keeffe was also given the package despite the fact her position would have to be refilled.

RTÉ aims to implement 400 new job cuts as part of its latest redundancy scheme.

However, Mr Collins told the Irish Mail on Sunday: ‘RTÉ and public service broadcasting will not be served by some unfocused scheme. Parameters have to be set that will protect the frontline people who actually produce and make public service broadcasting rather than some old pals act where only the interests of the hierarchy are looked after.’

The Limerick TD added: ‘When it comes to how it operates, RTÉ has a lot of trust to rebuild.

‘We are still waiting for the publication of the register of interests of RTÉ’s top presenters months after this was promised.’

Oireachtas Media Committee and Fine Gael TD Brendan Griffin said any redundancies at RTÉ should ‘be strategic and retain RTÉ’s core strengths’.

He told the MoS: ‘I would expect that this is what the management are already doing. The last thing RTÉ needs is a flight of talent.

‘You can’t have a brain drain in a time of crisis and you also need to retain wisdom and experience.

‘If there are departments that are top heavy with management that is a different matter but I am sure the new director general would be looking at options with a longterm view in mind.’

In response to queries from the Mail on Sunday, RTÉ said new redundancies will only be considered where ‘positions can be suppressed’.

A spokesman said: ‘The initial limited Voluntary Exit Programme (VEP) for 40 people will be voluntary.

‘While the terms have not yet been confirmed and must go through an approval process, applications will only be accepted where positions can be suppressed.

‘RTÉ will share details with staff as soon as possible following approval.’ The spokesman added that the findings of the McCann Fitzgerald review into former exit packages released this week would be taken on board for the new redundancy programme at the national broadcaster.

The spokesman said: ‘It was essential that the external

VEP Review be published and fully considered before finalising details of the next, limited VEP.

‘RTÉ already has a new governance plan in place which will ensure that the process will be robust, fair and scrutinised and we will make sure that past issues cannot arise again.’